It is an important message that while our children are looking at toy catalogues and making their Santa Lists they are mindful that Christmas is not only about receiving. The act of giving to others through simple acts of kindness or charity is a concept better taught by example. SickKids has touched all our lives directly or indirectly. We all know a child or know of a child who has needed the professionals at Sick Kids. They are embarking on the largest fundraising campaign in Canadian Health-Care history. This holiday season let's help them on their journey. Every little bit counts.

On a windy Morning late in October I drove with a few local (to me…Stirling) amazing child care providers to a winery in Prince Edward County. We were met by equally amazing child care providers and had a fantastic day getting to know each other a learn about self care.

The setting was Huff Estates. Located on the second floor of the Inn was a large conference room with windows overlooking the vineyards. Although it was a damp day the sun managed to peak through the clouds highlighting the autumn colours. The women gathered in the conference room chatting about morning adventures and daycare shenanigans. A total of 7 child care providers, some currently licensed with Little Lambs, others working towards being licensed were present. Myself, the owner of Little Lambs and Danielle our RECE were also present.

We started our morning with an ice breaker: a little activity to get creativity flowing and relationships building. It was after all the first time many of these women had met. The materials were simple: pipe cleaners and popsicle sticks. The objective: to create. No guidance or instructions were given. In the end we had created many different masterpieces (tree sculptures, a face mask, a game of x's and o's, jewelry, flowers and more). The idea was to show that given materials and no instructions children (like ourselves) will create and explore. This self exploration is unhindered when allowed to go "outside the lines". Gone are the days of cut and paste activities as these stifle children's imaginations.

Next it was time for a more serious discussion. On Tuesday, October 24, 2017 communities across Ontario dressed in Purple to break the silence and show their commitment to children's rights to safety and well being. On Dress Purple day the Ontario Children's Aids Societies sought community support to recognize that it takes a village to keep kids safe. Everybody in the community plays a role in supporting children's rights. In honour of this we took a few moments to refresh our knowledge of "duty to report". We discussed proper documentation, provider/agency responsibilities and procedures for suspected child abuse/neglect.

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Back on track, it was almost time for our team building wine tour adventure but first proper introductions were in order. As one by one the women introduced themselves I was completely blown away by the openness, honesty, passion for child care and intelligence this group of women presented. I was struck with gratitude that these women chose to partner with Little Lambs and frankly had lots of nice things to say about me. This was a day I planned to cater to my providers. To encourage their own self worth and care and unprepared I received this from them. It was to me a beautiful moment.

As promised wine tours were in order. Together we walked from the Inn to the Huff Estates Winery. We were greeted by a rather humorous sommelier. He stood behind the counter telling us of fruit flies and the exquisite breakfast he had prepared for his wife. We were lead past the barrel room up to the tanks and crushing machines. Our story teller continued to humour us as he explained the wines grown in the area and the history of Huff's Estates. Really we were there for the wine, but we did enjoy his tales. Back to the counter we walked and were treated to a Rose, white and a red wine. Next we enjoyed a delicious lunch (too many stories were shared to recount here). Again I felt blessed. The women gathered at this table appeared to mesh really well. Lunch was filled with laughter and new friendship. ​

Back to business we settled in the conference room. Sandie Sidsworth, the Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association (Belleville), spoke for just shy of hour. Many were left wanting more. Her way of speaking to the group about mental self care was uplifting and honest. In fact even those who don't normally like "that type of thing" enjoyed this session. She was a hard act to follow but Austin from Quinte Ortho did a pretty good job. He took little time in telling us how "nuts" we all were for choosing this career. The emotional strain and physical fatigue apparently isn't his cup of tea. However Austin applauded the work we do and spoke about ways we can strengthen our bodies to have longevity in this career. Our day continued to get better as Austin spoke about women's abdominal health and how to repair the effects of child birth…wine may of still been on the menu and conversations were lively. Little Lambs as a whole highly recommends Quinte Ortho for all your physical needs. They have a host of professionals providing a variety of services.

Our day concludes with a group of women who are a little merrier, definitely closer, prepared to put their own health on the priority list and ready for the next chapter as Little Lambs providers.

Thank you for reading this far. I truly look forward to what the future hold for this amazing agency.

Become a licensed child care provider with Little Lambs Home Daycare​

Little Lambs started as a small home daycare in 2012 and licensed as a child care agency in July 2017. We offer fair compensation, access to government grants, start up assistance, professional support and more. Join Kristina As she changes the face of an industry that has not changed in the past 20 years.

Think, Feel, Act. Children are much more resilient, have higher self-esteem, better "behaviour" and stronger brain development when child care providers start with building a relationship vs being the Authoritarian.

Watch the video below, part of Ontario's "Think, Feel, Act" Series for better understanding.

Bronfenbrenner was the founding father of the Ecological Theory for Child Development. He viewed children's behaviour as the sum of all relationships/interactions and unseen circumstances of the child's environment (ecology) .

What is Ecological Theory? "The immediate environments of family, school, peers, and neighborhood as a child’s microsystem. The interconnection of these environments is the mesosystem. Surrounding these spheres were increasingly broader circles of community influence called the exosytem, and, finally the cultural and societal forces of the macrosystem. In designing restorative interventions for individual children, the focus is usually on relationships in the microsytem and mesosystem. Research suggests that the more immediate the system, the greater its impact on development. Thus, while poverty can be a negative force in development, the immediate forces in a particular child’s family school, peer group, and neighborhood exert greatest influence."Brendtro, L.K. (2006). The vision of Urie Bronfenbrenner: Adults who are crazy about kids. Reclaiming Children and Youth, 15, 3. pp. 162-166.

Snack and meal times should be a time for positive interactions, language development, healthy nutrition and full little tummies. Infants, toddlers and preschoolers can sometimes be picky little eaters. However if provided with healthy options instead of quick processed foods or "go to favs" children will learn to eat and enjoy all sorts of foods.

I am not going to go to great lengths in this post to describe the dietary requirements of each child and how to ensure you have meals that are balanced to promote the best absorption of nutrients/vitamins. I am not a dietician and will not pretend to be one. Google has an endless array of websites to search and learn from. I am going to share some basics and a few resources to validated information.

Basic #1: snacks should include at least 2 food groups, Lunch should include at least 3 food groups however 4 is optimal. Basic #2: children do not need juice and if juice is served it should be from 100% real fruit juice and only 1/2cup per day. (Child Care providers should avoid juice like the plague...it disrupts nap times, is quickly converted into energy creating "hyper" children, sits in the mouth and can cause cavities etc) Basic #3: Water should be given whenever requested and in-between snacks/meals Basic #4: although children tend to like fruit more than vegetables, vegetables are an important part of the equation. Making veggie purees or grating vegetables into baked goods are great ways to sneak them in for super picky eaters.

I'd love to know your thoughts

“Experts recognize that play and academic work are not distinct categories for young children: creating, doing, and learning are inextricably linked. When children are engaged in purposeful play, they are discovering, creating, improvising, and expanding their learning. Viewing children as active participants in their own development and learning allows educators to move beyond preconceived expectations about what children should be learning, and focus on what they are learning” (CMEC, 2012). http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/childcare/Clinton.pdf

This article explores how child development is shaped by the quality of relationships formed. "In our hearts and minds we are likely to feel connected to those we spend our days with, but routinely, we may find ourselves spending more time on Correcting and Directing, leaving little time for Connecting. On a daily basis, what is your C:D:C Ratio? "I have provided an excerpt from this article (p. 3) which discusses the implications for caring for young children. I encourage child care providers and parent's alike to take a moment read and then reflect on this article. *How does this article relate to you and your parenting/educating role/style?*What can you do differently?​*What are some things you're already excelling at?*How can you work to create effective relationships with the children in your life?